Thursday, December 18, 2008

Please keep in mind that the most important points in making yogurt are adding sample yogurt to the milk at the right temperature and keeping it warm for a while. The exact temperature for fermentation is between 42-45 C.Place the milk in a pot and heat it until the boiling point. If you like creamy yogurt, simmer the milk a few more minutes to let the water evaporate more. Take the milk from the stove and wait about 10-12 minutes. Occasionally, dip your finger into the milk and try to count till 7. If you can bear the heat till 7, it means the milk is ready for fermentation. Don’t let the milk cool more than that since if the milk is not hot enough, fermentation won’t take place.In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp of yogurt with lukewarm milk by using a wooden spoon (don’t use metal spoons). Add this mixture to the milk and stir with the wooden spoon. Then, pour the milk to the containers and close their lids. (see the picture) The best container for making yogurt is glass. To keep the milk warm, cover the container completely with a cloth and then cover again with a blanket or something similar. Make sure to cover tightly to keep the milk warm for a while. (see the picture) Generally, it takes 5-6 and 7-8 hours for fermentation in summer and winter, respectively. After fermentation, take yogurt out of its cover without shaking. Store in the fridge for at least 3-4 hourr before serving.I often make yogurt in the evenings and it stays covered all night. I remove the covers in the morning.ENJOY

To make a creamy yogurt, you can just strain it.Place a paper towel or coffee filter over a strainer then, place the strainer inside a bowl. Place some yogurt on paper towel and fold the edges of the paper towel over the yogurt.

Leave in the fridge at least 5-6 hours. You'll see the juice in the bottom of the bowl and creamy yogurt over the paper towel.

I like garlic in yogurt and use it as a sauce. You can see the recipe for that at:http://www.turkishfoodandrecipes.com/2009/01/garlic-yogurt-sauce-sarimsakli-yogurt.htmlBut I've never heard about adding garlic during yogurt making. I hope my recipe will help.